Bad Habit or Bad Nature?

Ever met someone who just rubs you the wrong way? Maybe it’s their attitude, their choices, or the way they handle situations. You can’t quite put your finger on it, but something feels off. The real question is—are you looking at a bad habit, or bad nature?

The two are not the same, though they can appear similar. A bad habit is a repeated mistake, a behavioural quirk that needs correction. Bad nature, on the other hand, runs deeper—it’s when someone’s motives are fundamentally corrupt, even if their actions appear good.

The key to telling the difference? Observation. If the issue is contained—one weak spot in an otherwise decent person—it’s likely just a bad habit that needs attention. But if there’s a pattern, if their choices consistently hurt others, if their “good” always has a hidden selfish angle, you may be dealing with something darker.

That said, some bad habits are so damaging that, if they are left unchecked, they can wreak havoc. And not because the person is trying to intentionally cause problems, but because unchallenged patterns can destroy relationships, opportunities, even lives.

If left unchecked…

That said, some bad habits are so damaging that, if they are left unchecked, they can wreak havoc.

I’ve encountered truly bad-natured people—those who deliberately choose harm, even when they disguise it under good deeds. And yes, those people are terrifying. But they’re also rare. The vast majority of people who “misbehave” aren’t villains; they’re just people with unchecked habits, often lacking someone courageous enough to correct them.

And let’s be honest—calling out a bad habit isn’t easy. It feels personal. Like telling someone their breath stinks or their zipper is down. It’s awkward. But if you were the one with the issue—if you had a booger on your nose or spinach wedged in-between your teeth—wouldn’t you want someone to tell you?

I know I would. As embarrassing as it might be in the moment, it’s always better than confidently walking around, oblivious, only to realise someone stuck a ‘Kick Me’ sign on my back.

Looking back, some of the most uncomfortable moments of my life were when someone pulled me aside, placed a firm hand on my shoulder, and corrected me. It stung. But those moments made me better. Wiser. Stronger.

That’s why I choose to do the same for others. I’m far from perfect, but I want to be known as the man who tried.

I echo my thoughts from the beginning… Most people don’t choose to be bad natured. They just have bad habits. And bad habits can be addressed.

So I pray for the courage to love even those who seem beyond help. Because sometimes, what looks like bad nature is just an untamed habit waiting for patience, correction, and grace.

“If you love the people nobody wants, God will trust you with the people everybody wants.”

Take a look around. That difficult person in your life—are they truly bad-natured? Or do they just need someone willing to step in, speak up, and help them grow?

Love isn’t passive. Sometimes, it means stepping into the mess. Sometimes, it means facing the backlash of correction. But always, it means trying.

So today, try!

I’ll see you at the top!